Press Releases

A Word from The Joint’s New Director for Victoria, Yael Cass

02/21/2018

My grandparents, Zionist Jews from Bulgaria, received financial assistance from The Joint to purchase land for a new settlement in Palestine under the British occupation in 1942 (today, Moshav Beit Halevi). It is 76 years later that I proudly joined The Joint Australia dedicated to help Jews in need around the world and in Israel.

I come to this role with over 16 years of management and leadership experience in both the business and not-for-profit sectors. I hold a diploma of architecture, master degree in international management and am in the final stages of a PhD in gender studies at RMIT.

I have lived, worked, and volunteered in Israel, Ethiopia, and India and experienced first-hand learning of the lives and challenges people face in their search for equal opportunities and hope. My life journey led me to invest in an export business in Ethiopia before immigrating to Australia. This was an eye opening experience, a challenging one not only from the business perspective but also in facing the overwhelming inequity and challenges people face.

Upon arrival in Melbourne with my family, almost seven years ago, it was a priority for me to forge an active and communal life whereby I could positively impact the lives of those around me, both near and far. I volunteered my time and grew my network and sought out meaningful opportunities to make a difference wherever I could. Therefore, today, with a diverse set of personal and professional connections now in place and a wealth of international experience to guide me, I’m honoured to be chosen to help amplify the message of The Joint in Victoria.

I feel lucky to be able to live in a place like Melbourne, Australia, where I am free to dream, hope, and raise my children in a safe environment. My children have choices and freedoms that others around the world can only dream about — and I have made it my life’s work to do what I can to bring some hope and relief to them too.

It is truly a privilege for me to take part in The Joint’s ongoing commitment to global Jewish responsibility and to be a part of The Joint’s unfolding story.

I look forward to being able to bring the work of The Joint to life for you in Melbourne along with meaningful ways for you to engage in this sacred mission. After all, The Joint played a storied historical role in shaping the Melbourne community so it’s fitting that we should be a special part of its future.

Yael Cass
Victorian Director of The Joint Australia

About The Joint

The Joint Australia works locally on behalf of The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). JDC is the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization. JDC works in more than 70 countries and in Israel to alleviate hunger and hardship, rescue Jews in danger, create lasting connections to Jewish life, and provide immediate relief and long-term development support for victims of natural and man-made disasters.